Snakes are often perceived as silent creatures, quietly slithering through their environments. This common misconception is inaccurate, as these reptiles produce a diverse range of sounds. While they lack vocal cords, snakes generate various noises to interact with their surroundings and convey messages. These sounds serve important functions in their lives.
Common Snake Sounds
Hissing stands as perhaps the most widely recognized sound made by snakes. This distinctive noise is created when a snake forcibly expels air through its glottis, a small opening in the back of its mouth connected to the windpipe. A piece of cartilage within the glottis vibrates as air passes over it, producing the familiar sibilant sound. All snakes can hiss, primarily as a defensive display. This sound acts as a warning to potential threats, signaling a request for space.
Another prominent sound is the rattling produced by rattlesnakes. The rattle consists of interlocking, hollow segments made of keratin, the same material found in human fingernails. When a rattlesnake vibrates its tail rapidly, these segments click and rub against each other, creating a buzzing sound. This sound serves as an unmistakable warning signal to deter larger animals and conserve venom for prey. While true rattles are unique to rattlesnakes, other species like gopher snakes and cottonmouths may mimic this sound by vibrating their tails against dry leaves or other objects.
Unusual Snake Sounds
Beyond common hissing and rattling, some snakes produce more specialized noises. Certain species, such as the Eastern Massasauga rattlesnake, are known to emit a buzzing sound distinct from their tail rattle. Other unique sounds include growling or shrieking, made by snakes like the King Cobra and pine snakes. These particular vocalizations are enabled by a specialized structure called a laryngeal septum, which allows for more complex sound production.
Snakes may also produce clicking, popping, or wheezing noises. These sounds can sometimes indicate a snake is about to shed its skin. However, if these sounds persist outside of shedding periods, they might signal a respiratory infection. A unique rasping or sawing sound is produced by saw-scaled vipers, which rub specialized, keeled scales on their flanks together. This action creates a distinct warning sound in their arid habitats.
The Purpose Behind Snake Sounds
The sounds snakes produce primarily serve as a defensive mechanism. Hissing, rattling, and rasping are all designed to warn potential predators or perceived threats to back away. By making themselves seem larger or more dangerous through sound, snakes aim to avoid physical confrontation. This warning system benefits both the snake and other animals by minimizing dangerous encounters.
While most snake sounds are directed at other species as warnings, some forms of sound may play a role in communication among snakes, particularly during mating rituals or dominance displays. Snakes generally have limited ability to hear airborne sounds. Their primary means of sensing sound involves detecting vibrations through their jawbone and body, which are then transmitted to their inner ear.